Khaman Maluach make im first preseason start for Phoenix Suns and e deliver 10 points, 15 rebounds and three assists for 21 minutes as dem beat San Antonio Spurs 102-98 on Saturday. Di South Sudanese centre spend plenti of im time dey match up against Spurs star Victor Wembanyama.
"Tonight I think say overall na im best performance," head coach Jordan Ott tok about Maluach. Di French forward challenge Maluach for isolations early, try to use im quickness for drives, but di young centre hold im ground for some possessions and e recover with strong verticality after one foul call.
Dillon Brooks hail im teammate work inside. "I think say e man di paint, grab some 'boards, catch some hard passes and finish with both of im hands, so I feel say e play well and protect our rim well well."
Maluach still show say e get room to grow, as e fumble one bounce pass and dem target am for one pick-and-roll lob, wey make Ott call am aside during timeout. Devin Booker rest while Miles Bridges no play after e tweak im right ankle, as di Suns dey plan to give most players at least one preseason game off. Phoenix regular season go open on October 21.
